3. Robert Ryman: Works on Paper 1957 - 1966 (+one from 1999)

Pictured is Untitled

Thru April 1st
The Arts Club of Chicago
201 E Ontario
Images from Peter Blum (originator of the exhibition)

A rare treat from this living master. If you don't like this show, you don't like art. If you don't get it, then you don't know what real art is. Read Ed Schad's review at panel-house (scroll down a bit, you'll find it)

4. Take Off the Head 2005: New Paintings by Friese Undine

Pictured is The Classics Still Deprave Us, 2004

Thru April 24
The Chicago Cultural Center, Michigan Ave Galleries
78 E. Washington
More Info

Beautifully muted color sense and impeccable craftsmanship. Politics, Anarchy, Fascism! Nekkid people, creepy monkeys and she-wolves; my casual description belies the show's complexity.

5. Universal Experience

Thru June 5
MCA
220 E Chicago Ave
More info on Their Frustrating Website
What a handsome volume this catalogue is!

P.S.: I went there last nite and some foofaraw with fire engines and cop cars caused a power outage in parts of the museum. We were walking around in the semi darkness until the power came on. That was when they decided it would be a good time to shut the place down. Our Universal Experience was fear and disorientation as the giant doors sealed off the galleries and everyone was evacuated.
At any rate...
It is a great exhibition with lots to see (photos and objects) and do (watch videos). Make a day of it, go to Borders, eat at Eat the World in water tower and see the Dawoud Bey-curated show at the real Water Tower (through March 28)

I was a fool to think "Universal Experience" meant "everyone's experience," and not "just what jet-setting snots think is cool."